Brown University Museum Repatriates Hawaiian God Stick and Artifacts
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
Brown University’s Haffenreffer Museum plans to return four sacred Native Hawaiian items, including a tapa cloth, fishhook, stone adze, and a plaster god stick cast, starting March 25, 2026. These culturally important objects will be sent back to the Native Hawaiian community, honoring their heritage and traditions. No costs or hazards are involved, just a respectful handoff of history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Four Sacred Hawaiian Items Returned
Brown University's Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology intends to return four sacred Native Hawaiian items — one tapa (kapa) textile (83-141a-b), one fishhook (61-472), one stone adze (68-10003), and one plaster cast of a god stick (60-4607) — to the Native Hawaiian community. The repatriation may occur on or after March 25, 2026, and the museum states there is a connection between these items and the Hui Iwi Kuamo[revaps].
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation to Kellie Bowers, Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, 300 Tower Street, Bristol, RI 02809, or by email at [email protected]. If competing requests are received, the museum will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03565, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, CA
Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA, plans to return two sacred Native American items—a basket bowl and a winnowing tray—to the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria and related tribes starting March 25, 2026. This repatriation honors Native traditions and respects cultural heritage, with no costs to the public. If you want to learn more or get involved, you can contact the park directly.
Next: 2026-03567, Notice of Inventory Completion: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Archaeology, Nashville, TN
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has finished checking human remains and over 1,500 related items found in a Montgomery County cave. These remains belong to Native American tribes connected to the site, and they can be returned to those tribes starting March 25, 2026. This means important cultural treasures will soon go back to their rightful communities, honoring their history and heritage.